CHARLES THE THIRD AND AARON THE FIRST Preparations for the King’s Coronation are well in place. The meticulously planned ceremony, which the British do so well, is being organised down to the very last detail. Some of these details are derived from the biblical coronation of the kings of Israel. These were, in turn, derived from the investiture of the Kohen Gadol or High Priest, as described in this week’s parasha. Aaron, the first High Priest, is inaugurated in the following way: “You shall take the garments and dress Aaron with the Robe of the Ephod, the Ephod and the...
THE LOST ARK Steven Spielberg’s fantasy movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” draws its inspiration from the holy Ark, described in this week’s parasha. The Ark disappears from Jewish life at the end of the First Temple period. Some sources suggest it was buried somewhere under the Temple Mount to avoid it falling into enemy hands. For the past two and half thousand years, its location has remained hidden. It seems strange that although other Temple vessels like the Menorah and the Altar were reconstructed for the Second Temple, no attempt was made to replace the Ark. Indeed, Moses Maimonides,...
THE OLDEST BIBLE IN THE WORLDComing to London next week is a most remarkable book. It will be on display at Sotheby’s for a week before moving on to other selected locations around the world before being auctioned in New York in May. With an estimate reserve of $30-$50 million, it may well become the most expensive book in history. Why would anyone want to spend $50 million on a book? Let’s consider the background. The Torah, which we received at Mt. Sinai, in the events, described in last week’s and this week’s parasha, is written on parchment in a...
DISASTER AID The devastating destruction that has taken place in Turkey and Syria is absolutely heartbreaking. The picture of the newborn baby pulled from the wreckage in Syria, is an image that will come to define this tragedy. Although the baby was in the rebel-held area of northern Syria, no effort is being spared to provide assistance. We all recognize that earthquakes do not respect borders or frontiers and people must be helped whoever and wherever they are. Humanitarian aid has flooded in but so much more is needed. Your contribution will be very much appreciated. You can donate through...
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE I grew up in Stamford Hill in a shul known as Grove Lane or Stamford Hill Beth Hamedresh. It was the custom there, every Shabbat, to make a Mi Shebeirach LeCholim – a prayer for the sick, at the end of the layening. We follow this practice as well in St John’s Wood. However, every year, on Shabbat Shira, as this Shabbat is known, my shul shifted the place of the prayer for those who are unwell, from the end to the middle of the Torah reading. At the end of the fourth portion of this week’s parasha,...
